Book Review: BILLY AND ME by Giovanna Fletcher

Book Review: BILLY AND ME by Giovanna Fletcher

Blurb: " Sophie May has a secret. One that she's successfully kept for years. It's meant that she's had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop. But then she meets the gorgeous Billy - an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy's glamorous - but ruthless - world. Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation? "

I was so sad when I finished Billy and Me. It is such a cutesy, homey book but with a few twists and complications along the way. Sophie is just a bit of a home bird. She has lived in the same village her whole life, in the same house and goes to work just down the road. But this is all because of what happened to her when she was younger. Throughout reading the story you get to understand more about how she thinks and why she doesn't want to do anything other than being comfortable. Sophie does show her more adventurous side when she meets Billy. With Billy, I feel like it was a bit of love at first sight moment for both of them. I love how adorable they are with each other at the start. She takes the plunge and decides to move in with him in his luxurious pad in London. As Billy is a very successful actor however, things aren't all cutesy and rosey all of the time. It throws a mixture of emotions for Sophie and questions whether she is actually doing the right thing and wondering what is she going to do with her own life? What has been her dream all this time? And what is her purpose now? I think this has become my favourite book so far. I was really drawn into the story. It seems to contain everything I like. Such as love, close family, home and lots and lots of CAKE! Even though there are some sad complications in Sophie's life so far, I still felt as though this was one of those "feel good" books. I found myself smiling at how sweet and lovely Sophie is. She has a heart of gold, she is always so caring to everyone. Which is why Billy loves her so much too.


Buy your own copy here: click here to buy!

- Kat Melladay x

Book review: PAPER TOWNS by John Green

Book review: PAPER TOWNS by John Green

Blurb: "Quentin has always loved Margo Roth Spiegelman, for Margo (and her adventures) are the stuff of legend at their high school. So when she one day climbs through his window and summons him on an all-night road trip of revenge he cannot help but follow.

But the next day Margo doesn't come to school and a week later she is still missing. Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance . . . and they are for him. But as he gets deeper into the mystery - culminating in another awesome road trip across America - he becomes less sure of who and what he is looking for."

The first thing I realised about this book, which makes it different to any other book I have read, was that the first person is actually a boy/young man. Meaning that you are reading the story all from his perspective. Which was so unusual to me because I always seem to read books which have a lady as the first person. It was actually a nice change. The book is about a young man called Quentin who has always had a childhood crush on his neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. They went through a creepy situation together when they were children and ever since, Quentin has been mesmerized by every part of Margo. You soon discover that Margo isn't your average, gossiping high school girl. She appears to be in with the popular crowd, gets attention from the boys and is very socially active with going to all the best parties etc. However the truth is, Margo is really the most mysterious girl you could ever imagine. There are so many different parts to her personality and she has so many broad interests, hobbies and opinions that nobody would ever expect of her. Of "their Margo". 

I won't ruin the whole story for you, but throughout the book, Margo manages to really test Quentin without really meaning to. He begins to do things that usually he would never dream of doing, but he would do them for her. He breaks laws and goes on crazy adventures all over America all behind his parents back, which he usually would never dream of doing, but he would do them for her..

I really enjoyed this book. John Green is the author of the massive success which is "The fault in our stars". Please don't hate me.. but unlike most other young woman I know, I haven't actually read that book. I watched the movie at the cinema and thought that it was ok, and I thought I might give the book a go as it would probably be better than the movie. However whilst in Waterstones, I spotted Paper Towns and thought I would much rather read it instead. I would definitely read another book by John Green, the story was really easy to follow but not too simply written, and had me not being able to contain myself for the answers! The ending can be a bit disappointing depending on how you take to the story. I found myself  a little disappointed, however at the same time not so disappointed that it made me hate the story overall as it certainly didn't. 

Buy your own copy here: click here to buy!

- Kat Melladay x

Top 10 things to do on "nothing days".

Top 10 things to do on "nothing days".

It is approaching the end of our long summer holidays. We may have been on our vacations, gone on days and nights out, caught up with friends and partners but now it is close to when we go back to school or university. This is when I feel, that we are faced with those "nothing days". Or even if you've not just had the summer holidays, you'll still have those days where you just don't have any plans and are stuck wondering what to do with your time. Therefore, I thought I would make a top 10 list of all the things you could do when you have nothing else left to do. I will save you all from your boredom! 

1. Create new make-up looks:

We buy all these different blushes, mascaras, eye shadow palettes etc (the list is endless..) so try to be creative with them! I am sure I am not the only person that has "the look" that they always seem to apply as an everyday look for them. But it is always great to be creative with your makeup to try and make yourself look a bit different. Even just using different shades of eye shadow on your eyes or changing shade in your lipstick can give you a completely different appearance. I love playing around with different looks for both day and night time occasions.

2. Listen to music:

Whether it is finding new music or artists to listen to or rediscovering your long lost favourites, listening to music can be a great way to pass by some time. I love searching through YouTube and iTunes and finding that one song that I cannot stop listening to, on repeat, for days. Then after a week I will get fed up of it and have to find my next song fix..

3. Read a new/old book:

At the beginning of the year I started to read books again and I am so glad I did now. To me, reading books does honestly change the way you think and your interests too. It is just wonderful to get sucked into a story and imagine the characters. It is like meeting new people and experiencing new adventures, even though really you are just reading one book. 

4. Pampering session (yaay!) : 

What better way to make your day fabulous by making yourself literally feel fabulous! Do whatever it takes, have a bath in the dark with candles, lather yourself in your favourite body moisturizer (mine is Sugar crush by Soap and gloary), put on a face mask, naughty bit of fake tan. Do whatever makes you feel completely relaxed and beautiful, as it will make for a very positive day.

5. Watch a movie:

I feel like this is the obvious one which everybody does when they have nothing days. But regardless, watch a movie!! My favourite movies are definitely rom-coms or kid movies. They really are my favourite, they are all the movies that I own. The choice in the movie really counts, therefore I would always advise you to watch a "feel good" movie rather than one which will make you cry for too long afterwards. My choice would be one or all of the High School Musicals. I especially like to dance and sing along to ALL of the songs, but that is totally up to you of course.

6. Watch YouTube videos:

Again, I feel this is another obvious one to do when there is nothing else to do. I love watching YouTube videos to see what other people are buying or wearing or to mainly, be inspired. They are a great way to take up the time too because you can never seem to just watch one video once you go on YouTube.

7. Paint your finger and toe nails:

This could be part of the pampering session to make you feel fabulous and totally girly. Don't just paint your finger nails though! I know the summer days are slowly saying goodbye, however your toe nails like to look pretty too. Just because you will be covering them up with fluffy slipper socks soon enough, you can still see them!

8. Henna time:

Henna tattoos are amazing. Ever since I was introduced to it, I have never stopped loving it. It is the pen you can see in the seventh photograph next to my nail varnishes. You use it like a pen, the henna comes out and you simply just draw all over yourself! You can find so many inspiration photographs on Tumblr and Google images if you need some help. I especially love doing them on my feet, as they aren't as obvious as drawing them traditionally all over your hands but they are still noticeable and look great! They only last for approximately 1-2 weeks which is the really good thing, as you can create new designs or wash them off for things such as work.

9. Take some photographs:

Just go around your home or venture out into your garden and take some photographs of things. It could even be an excuse for you to go for a walk, having an adventure and taking photographs as well. And I suppose you could throw a couple of cheeky selfies in there too if you are in the mood.

10. Create some lists:

I have so many lists in my notebooks. You can write all sorts of different lists. It is always a good idea, especially if you do not own a diary, to have a "to do" list. That way you can keep on referring to it and you won't forget anything important. All girls need to have a shopping list so that they don't forget about something they really want. You could also write lists like a "bucket list" for example where you list all of the things you would love to do before a certain date. Just get bullet pointing and writing!

I hope you won't find yourself quite as bored now. What do you do when you have nothing planned?

- Kat Melladay x

Outstanding Orange!

Outstanding Orange!

Shade: Infrared.

Shade: Mango.

This summer, it has been all about the colour Orange! Orange was never one of my top favourite colours, however it has brightened up my summer this year. I thought I would pick out a few little orange things that I have been loving these past couple of months to show you. 

Tangle Teezer: 

I never really took much notice on the type of hairbrush I used, it was just something I didn't take into consideration. Yet at the same time I am forever trying new products, like conditioners, to try and help my hairs condition. I had read reviews about these teezers and thought I would try one for myself. I have not gone back to a traditional shaped hair brush since! Holding the teezer in the palm of your hand is so much easier than holding a heavy hairbrush by its handle. I have noticed the big bonus of having this brush, that it doesn't seem break my ends as easily as the traditional, cheap hair brushes did. This is what will keep me using a teezer if nothing else! I chose this funky orange and yellow coloured teezer but there are a variety of different colours and sizes to choose from. At approx £10 per standard size teezer they are probably more than you would usually spend on a hairbrush, but I am still loving using mine. To me they look like little jelly beans hehe.

Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm:

My lips have been very dry recently for some reason, so I just wanted to buy a cheap and cheerful new lip balm to add to my big collection. I am always trying new lip balms. You can always rely on me to have at least 3 of them in my handbag.. when I suppose I do only need one. I chose the classic honey flavour, I just wanted a plain lip balm as I have lots already that are fancy with different flavours and different tints. This one does the job! It is quite a thick balm and stays on my lips for quite a while before having to re-apply it. The smell of it is gorgeous too.

Billy & Me by Giovanna Fletcher:

I am yet to start reading this book as I am currently reading "Paper towns" by John Green, which I will be sure to write a book review about (it is really good). I thought I would include this book though as the cover fits in nicely with my orange theme and it sounds like a book that I am going to really enjoy. 

Blurb - " Sophie May has a secret. One that she's successfully kept for years. It's meant that she's had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop. But then she meets the gorgeous Billy - an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy's glamorous - but ruthless - world. Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation? "

Topshop Lipstick:

I think all of the beauty bloggers that I have either watched on YouTube or seen their blogs have this shade of lipstick for this summer from Topshop. If you do not already know, it is called "Infrared" and as you can see it is a red lipstick but with a strong tint of orange running through it. So I guess you could call it a dark orange, rather than a neon orange. This is what I really love about this shade. It is not too over the top but it is still the orange that I wanted for my lips this summer. The Topshop lipsticks feel so nice on your lips and are very pigmented. A tip I would advise, would be to make sure your lips are in perfect condition before wearing this lipstick. Make sure you dont have any cracks or dryness on your lips, they need to be very smooth otherwise this lipstick shows up all the imperfections! (now you have to treat yourself to the Burt's Bees lip balm too!).

Barry M Gelly Nail Varnish:

These are my favourite nail varnishs to purchase. I have so many Barry M nail varnishes now I should probably stop buying them, but I doubt I will. I must buy another one that I totally need every payday at least. One of my favourite colours out of the vibrant gelly range is this orange which is called "Mango". It looks beautiful on your fingers and toes! It is the perfect orange and it would be perfect for if you are lucky enough to go on vacation this summer. However if you're not this year, this colour would also be perfect to brighten up a dull looking summers day here in sunny Britain.

Do you have any orange must-haves for this summer?

- Kat Melladay x

Birmingham shopping haul.

Birmingham shopping haul.

The other day I actually had a quite spontaneous moment, which is rare for me. Things at home in my life were starting to all get on top of me a bit and overwhelm me. I was desperate for some time just to myself. I wanted to be alone for at least a day without having to think about friends, family, career related issues anything. Just myself, alone with my own thoughts, a bit of independence for the day. What better excuse did I need to go for a shopping day? So I decided to do some research on shopping centres in different cities which I had not been to before. The "Bullring" shopping centre in Birmingham appeared, and had many shops that I would love to browse through. Therefore I booked my train tickets for the next day, and off I went!

I love train journeys. I haven't met many people that agree with me on that, but I find them so relaxing. I love looking at all the countryside and buildings out the windows and reading my book. I thought that I would be really nervous and perhaps, quite frightened travelling all the way to Birmingham by myself. Having to change trains and have no one around who knew me. However, to my great surprise I was absolutely fine! I was amazed by how big the Bullring centre is. There are three floors of many great shops inside, but there are also hundreds of shops outside as well which is classed as part of the Bullring! 

My first stop was my favourite, Topshop. Compared to the sale section in my Topshop back home, it was incredible. Even though I didn't find anything in the sale there this time that I fanced, I will be sure to go back there again when I know there will be a big Topshop sale. I did purchase some lovely green, flowered trousers. I thought they would be great for any occasion, whether it is going out at night, going for a meal or just for casual wear during the day. I could dress them for both the warmer and colder months and they can be worn with quite a few different colours. I also picked up an elephant top. This was one of those moments where you see something in a store, and instantly HAVE to have it. So that wasn't questioned. During the day I went into the Disney Store, which was wonderful as always. Sadly we do not have one of these stores where I live so I always get a bit too excited when I find one. Of course I had to buy an adorable Dumbo elephant to take back with me! When I went to explore what was outside, I discovered the massive Primark. I only got one top but I think it is totally me. The colour really seems to suit my skin-tone and hair colour and it is a top which, like the Topshop trousers, can be worn both dressed down and up. As always it was a classic, Primark bargain at £6.

I went to so many stores there, the store I spent most of my time in was Waterstones. At first I did not realize that all of the store was Waterstones, I thought the top stories of the store might have been accommodation. When I went inside I soon realized and then I spent most of my day in there. As you can see I only purchased one book, "Anna and the french kiss" by Stephanie Perkins for my train journey back home. However there were just so many books to look at and discover in there. Again, in my hometown the Waterstones is not very big so this one was something else to me. Birmingham is very busy, full of so many people. Being inside Waterstones was so peaceful and quiet, just what I wanted from this day.

It is safe to conclude that I spent quite a bit of money on my day in Birmingham, however it was a fantastic day. I did not think that I would be able to have so much fun on my own, but I really did. It is definitely a great place to visit, especially when the sales are on. I know where I'll be going when it is Christmas shopping time.. or when I want to have a book haul!

Topshop Green Trousers: click here to buy!
Topshop Elephant Top: click here to buy!

- Kat Melladay x

Book Review: FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell

Book Review: FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell

This book made me fall back in love with reading. I hadn't read for years, not too sure why to be honest. I think it was probably a mixture of education, work and socializing that made me forget just how relaxing reading a book could be and also how cheerful it makes me.

Blurb: "Cath and Wren are identical twins, and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair any more - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She's horribly shy and has always buried herself in the fan fiction she writes, where she always knows exactly what to say and can write a romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life.

Without Wren Cath is completely on her own and totally outside her comfort zone. She's got a surly room-mate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realizing that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible . . ."

When I picked this book up at Waterstones, straight away I knew that it was the perfect book for me to purchase. I prefer books where either the characters are in my age range, so that I can relate more to the story or I just get a book because the blurb of the story completely pulls me in. Cath and Wren are twins that are all set to start university. They have been so close their whole lifes, forever doing everything together. From going to the same parties to staying up until early hours of the morning writing fan fiction of Simon Snow together. However, when they start university it all starts to change. With living in separate accommodation, studying different courses, making different friends.. and maybe boyfriends.. they become more independent without each other and begin to like different things.

All of the characters that Rainbow Rowell has created are very interesting characters. She writes about all of them in just enough depth that you can really understand what they are like. The story mainly focuses on Cath rather than Wren, but of course she is very highly included. It is lovely to read how throughout the book, Cath comes out of herself gradually. When it comes to writing her fan fiction though, that is where you really do see her blossom. Rainbow Rowell has portrayed Caths passion for writing her Simon Snow fan fiction wonderfully. Between chapters, there are special pages of either the original Simon Snow books or what Cath has wrote in her fan fiction "Magicath". She also portrays both Cath, Wren and the friends they meet on the way journeys through their first year in university brilliantly too. As of yet I have not started university, but I do hope to. The book has let me have a little look into what joining university might be like. 

I never wanted to put this book down. I think that Rainbow Rowell is a lovely author and I will be sure to read her other books. I have fallen in love with sweet Cath and her story. Hopefully Rainbow might consider writing a second addition of Fangirl.. or I may have to search the internet for some fan-fiction of the book to read for myself..

Buy your own copy here: click here to buy! 

- Kat Melladay x

Throw-back: 19th birthday - Twycross Zoo

Throw-back: 19th birthday - Twycross Zoo.

posing for me!

had to get a photo of this Guinea pigs booty hehe!

I wanted to do a throw-back post of my 19th birthday last year, as it was the best birthday I've ever had!

Elephants are my absolute favourite animal in the world, I think they are so beautiful and intelligent. Therefore going to Twycross Zoo for my birthday where I could see four of them was amazing! I cannot remember ever being so excited for my birthday to come. The first animals we heard when we got there was of course, all the monkeys! Twycross Zoo has a wide range of different monkeys and gorillas, many of them are close to extinction. However, the first animal we saw were the cute, little meerkats. We couldn't believe just how small they were at first. They were incredibly sweet digging their holes and running around in groups together.

I HAD to see the elephants next! Literally running to where the signs were directing us to go, then we saw the massive home where the four elephants live. Even seeing one of the Asian elephants was my dream come true. I couldn't have been happier, until I saw the other three. I loved watching every movement they made. Just by watching them you could recognize that they each had their own, quirky personalities! Which made me so so happy. One of them was completely obsessed with cleaning around their home at the zoo. The other one would not stop hoovering up all the water (they really do drink like their  trunk is a hoover, sounds like it too tehe). The third elephant loved to be outside by the looks of things, she didn't come in their inside area once. I must have stood and watched them all for ages, but I didn't care it was so amazing! It looked as though they were being well looked after too, which is the most important part. Recently, one of the elephants has given birth to a beautiful, bouncing baby girl called Esha. Twycross are forever posting the adorable pictures of her! I am hoping to go again, very, very soon to see her too.

Other than the Asian elephants that I had fallen for, Twycross was full of other lovely creatures. We also saw a leopard, monkeys, amps, gorillas, alpacas, owls and penguins! You were able to get so close to the penguins that you could almost touch them. My dad tried to but the penguin was sassy and was having non of it! Twycross even had a pet theme inside their zoo which included pets such as bunnies and guinea pigs.

After all the fun and excitement of the zoo, I went out for a meal in a local Italian restaurant in the evening with my friends. My 19th was a wonderful birthday, I can only hope that this year my birthday will be just as great (although if it doesn't include four elephants I highly doubt it will be!)

For details all about Twycross Zoo and all their lovely animals here is their website: http://twycrosszoo.org/

- Kat Melladay x

Who is this ?

Who is this ?

Olla I am Kat! I am 19 years old, a winter baby & I am currently working in retail. 

Were you named after anyone ?

Yes, I was named after my mum's aunt in Croatia. 

What is your favourite season ?

I think my favourite season would have to be winter, as all the best things happen in this season. Such as Halloween, my birthday & Christmas! But of course I love summer to be able to wear pretty dresses.

Any hobbies ?

In my spare time I love to watch movies, read books & magazines, spend time with the people I love the most, shop shop shop, take photographs & draw all over myself with a henna pen!

Do you have children ?

No I do not!

Your zodiac sign is ?

Sagittarius. 

What are you wearing ?

I have just got changed from my work clothes into my pajamas.

Do you have a dream career ?

Too many dream careers that I would love to do is forever my problem. The ones that are my biggest dreams are to become an artist, have my own business or to go into the fashion industry. 

What is your favourite flavour of ice-cream ?

Hmm tough question. I prefer fruity flavours to chocolate/sweet flavours. So maybe banana or lemon or strawberry hehe ^.^

Your favourite colour ?

My favourite colour is blue, love yellow too. My favourite colour for wearing is definitely black.

Are you reading a book at the moment ?

I am currently reading "Fan Girl" by Rainbow Rowell. 

Who do you  live with ?

I live with my lovely mum and daddyo. I'm an only child.

What was your favourite vacation ?

I used to love going to Menorca with my family. But I think I am going to have to choose Disneyland Paris!

Your favourite music artist/s ?

Favourite band has always been Linkin Park. At the moment I like listening to Pharrell Williams and Lily Allen. 

Any fears ?

I get so frightened by flying things, silly yes. Anything from birds (especially Pigeons) to flying bugs. Butterflies are the worst!!

What is the meaning behind your blog name ?

My name is Kat and I thought writing a blog would be similar to writing a little diary.

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- Kat Melladay x